LDP Tightens Candidate Endorsement Criteria in Wake of Slush Fund Scandal

Prime Minister Ishiba Announces Stricter Candidate Endorsement Criteria in Wake of Slush Fund Scandal

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Sunday that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will not endorse certain lawmakers implicated in a slush fund scandal as official candidates in the upcoming general election. This decision comes amidst public outrage and a significant erosion of voter trust.

The LDP has also decided to exclude these lawmakers from the party's proportional representation list for the October 27th election, even if they receive endorsements for single-seat constituencies. This stricter criteria aims to address public concerns and rebuild trust in the party.

Under the new guidelines, lawmakers who received severe punishments in April, including suspension from party membership, will not be endorsed as official candidates. This includes prominent figures like Hakubun Shimomura, Yasutoshi Nishimura, and Tsuyoshi Takagi.

Additionally, lawmakers who failed to attend a parliamentary political ethics session will also be denied endorsements. This includes former LDP policy chief Koichi Hagiuda and lawmakers Hiromi Mitsubayashi and Katsuei Hirasawa.

Furthermore, lawmakers who have not adequately addressed concerns from their local supporters and have gained little backing will also be excluded from the party's endorsement list.

Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the need to address public distrust and anger, urging LDP lawmakers to engage with voters directly and provide full explanations for their actions. He also announced that he and four other LDP executives will not be placed on the party's proportional representation list, demonstrating their commitment to shared responsibility.

The LDP's decision to take a stricter stance on candidate endorsements reflects the party's attempt to regain public trust and address the concerns arising from the slush fund scandal. This move could potentially impact the outcome of the upcoming general election.